S

Key Account B2B

Smartbox Group
Full-time
On-site
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
πŸ’Ό Account Management

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Key Account B2B

πŸ”Ή Company: Smartbox Group

πŸ”Ή Location: Milan, Lombardy, Italy

πŸ”Ή Job Type: On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Sales & Business Development

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 14, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and maintaining client relationships in the Italian market
  • Independently managing client interactions from initial contact to closing deals
  • Achieving channel objectives and contributing to the overall growth of the company
  • Collaborating with the B2B team and other departments to implement sales strategies
  • Participating in industry events and trade shows

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on client relationship management and sales, with a significant portion of the work involving independent decision-making and autonomous action.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Developing and implementing sales strategies for assigned channels to achieve budgeted targets

βœ… Building and maintaining strong, long-lasting customer relationships

βœ… Proactively seeking new business opportunities in the market

βœ… Coordinating with the B2B team and other departments to ensure effective communication and collaboration

βœ… Participating in industry events and trade shows to increase brand awareness and generate leads

βœ… Managing the entire sales process from initial contact to closing deals

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple client relationships and sales processes simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences, Economics, Marketing, or related fields

Experience: At least 1 year of experience in a Key Account role within a B2B environment

Required Skills:

  • Proven track record in Key Account Management and B2B sales
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and initiative
  • Fluency in Italian and English
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Salesforce Lightning
  • Experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Bamboo HR

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in the travel or hospitality industry
  • Familiarity with the Italian market and customer base

ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role, candidates with experience in B2B sales and Key Account Management are strongly preferred. Familiarity with the Italian market and customer base would be an asset but is not strictly required.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €30,000 - €40,000 per year (Based on industry standards for entry-level B2B sales roles in Milan)

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Employee discounts on Smartbox experiences
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for occasional overtime and travel

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level B2B sales roles in Milan. Actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as experience and performance.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Smartbox Group operates in the travel arrangements industry, specializing in experience gifts. The company focuses on providing unique, memorable experiences to customers, rather than physical goods.

Company Size: Smartbox Group has 501-1,000 employees, which means applicants can expect a mid-sized company structure with opportunities for growth and development.

Founded: Smartbox Group was founded in 2001 and has since grown to become the European leader in experience gifts, with a presence in 11 countries and over 41,000 European partners.

Company Description:

  • Smartbox Group believes that life is more fulfilled through experiences than physical goods, and its mission is to offer unforgettable memories through experience gifts.
  • The company offers nearly 15,000 different products in various leisure themes, such as Stays, Wellness, Adventure, and Gastronomy.
  • Smartbox Group is present in 11 countries, with 7 million experience gifts sold per year and an annual business volume of nearly €500 million.

Company Specialties:

  • FMCG
  • e-commerce
  • tech
  • multilingual
  • agile

Company Website: http://www.smartbox.com/

ASSUMPTION: Smartbox Group's focus on experience gifts and its strong presence in the European market make it an attractive employer for candidates interested in the travel and hospitality industry.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, ideal for candidates with 0-2 years of experience in B2B sales or Key Account Management.

Reporting Structure: The Key Account B2B role reports directly to the B2B Manager and works closely with the B2B team and other departments, such as Trade Marketing.

Work Arrangement: The role is on-site (Hybrid), with a requirement for occasional travel and the possibility of working from home for a limited number of days per week.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Progression to a Senior Key Account role or a management position within the B2B team
  • Expansion of responsibilities to include additional channels or markets
  • Opportunities to participate in international projects or collaborations

ASSUMPTION: Given the company's growth and expansion, there are opportunities for career progression and growth within the B2B team and the organization as a whole.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Smartbox Group's Milan office is a modern, collaborative workspace that encourages teamwork and innovation.

Office Location(s): Joyce's Court, Talbot St, Dublin, 1, IE

Geographic Context:

  • Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and serves as a major economic, financial, and cultural hub.
  • The city is home to numerous multinational corporations and offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Milan is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy for employees to commute to and from work.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional overtime and travel as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The Milan office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening with the HR department
  • In-depth interview with the B2B Manager and a member of the B2B team
  • Final interview with the Head of B2B or another senior member of the team

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Sales skills and experience
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving abilities and initiative
  • Familiarity with the Italian market and customer base

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and skills
  • Prepare examples of successful sales strategies or client relationships you've managed in the past
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the Italian market and customer base, if applicable

ATS Keywords: Key Account, B2B Sales, Client Relationship Management, Trade Marketing, Microsoft Office, Salesforce Lightning, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Commercial Awareness, Listening Skills, Initiative, Result Orientation, Customer Understanding, Communication Skills, English Language

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should focus on demonstrating their relevant sales experience and skills, as well as their cultural fit with the company.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office
  • Salesforce Lightning
  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator
  • Bamboo HR

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency during the interview process.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Inspiring people to experience life
  • Living more than owning, sharing more than having
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Continuous learning and improvement

Work Style:

  • Dynamic and fast-paced
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Focused on results and customer satisfaction
  • Adaptable and open to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you share Smartbox Group's passion for inspiring people to experience life?
  • Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment?
  • Do you have a strong customer focus and a results-driven mindset?
  • Are you adaptable and open to change in a fast-paced environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Smartbox Group's values and work style are more likely to be successful in this role and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple client relationships and sales processes simultaneously
  • Occasional travel and the need to work flexible hours
  • Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
  • Meeting and exceeding sales targets and channel objectives

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset to overcome.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to other Key Account or B2B Sales positions, but with a focus on the Italian market and experience gifts
  • Unlike other sales roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the Italian market and customer base, as well as experience in the travel or hospitality industry
  • Career progression in this role could lead to opportunities in senior sales positions, management, or international collaborations

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other Key Account or B2B Sales positions, its focus on the Italian market and experience gifts sets it apart and offers unique opportunities for growth and development.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a sales strategy for a new channel or market segment
  • Managing a high-value client relationship and exceeding sales targets
  • Participating in an industry event or trade show to generate leads and increase brand awareness

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the types of tasks and responsibilities candidates can expect in this role, and provide an insight into the day-to-day work involved.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does the B2B team collaborate and support each other in achieving channel objectives?
  • What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the B2B team and the organization as a whole?
  • How does Smartbox Group support its employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to overcome them?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to understanding the company's culture and expectations.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and skills
  • Prepare examples of successful sales strategies or client relationships you've managed in the past
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the Italian market and customer base, if applicable
  • Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.